Sora (Porzana carolina) by Lee at Circle B
Dan and I went over to Circle B Bar Reserve on Monday, January 16th. We had a great time birding and we got to view a “Life Bird.” (This one is for real.) See the photo above. “Life Birds” are what you call a bird species the first time you see one. We now have 3 life birds this year. The Sora seen here is the second one for the year. The first one was a Hooded Grebe on Saturday. and I spotted a third one today, a Redhead, at Lake Morton.
The Sora is a bird in the Rails, Crakes & Coots – Rallidae Family. They are 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm) and weigh about 1.4-4 oz (49-112 g). So they are not a large bird. I found it among the Common Gallinule and that is what help me realize that it was different and smaller. Been looking for a Sora for months out at Circle B. Knew they were there, just never found one.
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) by Lee Circle B
Another highlight of our trip was finding 2 Belted Kingfishers, close-up and personal. They are hard to photograph, but this time they were showing off right in front of us. They were hovering and then diving for their food. Was great to watch them. They are in the Kingfisher – Alcedinidae Family. They are medium sized, actually we both were surprised they are as large as they are. They always appear to have a very short squatty neck. They are 11–13.8 in (28–35 cm), weigh 4.9–6 oz (140–170 g) and have a 19-22 in (48-58cm) wingspan.
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) by Lee Circle B
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!” (Psalms 70:4 NKJV)
We also spotted several Alligators.
Here is the list that I turned in to eBird.org:
37 species total
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Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 
Hi, I am glad those alligators didn’t get you, Lee. :)
It is amazing all the various creatures that Christ created which surround you on your birding trips.
Thanks for sharing.
Love to you!
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Congratulations on the Sora. Once when we were birding with a group, someone heard a Sora and tried getting it to show itself or even to call again. But now I know where they are in my county, so we can try again in the summer.
We have one lifer this year so far. A Cackling goose. We saw a flock of Canadas flying, there were two that were a lot smaller, but looked like Canadas otherwise.
Very nice Belted Kingfisher. On our way home from church in October, we saw one right by the creek near here and it would have been a nice photo, but alas, the camera was at home. That will not happen again. Since that time, the camera goes everywhere with me.
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